How Can I Know God's Forgiveness I Even Can't Forgive I Myself？--Billy Graham's Answer

By Boaz Wadel

Q:I know you say God will forgive every sin we've ever committed, but you don't know what I've done. I'm in prison for drug dealing, and I know I probably messed up thousands of lives before I got caught. I can't even forgive myself, let alone think God might forgive me. I feel so guilty. - S.McL

Billy Graham's Answer：

What you did was terrible; God doesn't take it lightly, and neither should you. Illegal drugs cause immeasurable harm in our society, and no one creates more devastation than a drug dealer. One reason I've reprinted your letter is because I hope it will stop others from going down that road.

And yet one of the Bible's greatest truths is that God is willing to forgive every sin we've ever committed -- no matter how horrible it was or how much hurt it caused. This, after all, is why Jesus Christ came into the world -- to make our forgiveness possible. Jesus didn't come just to tell us how to live; He came to die as the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. Think of it: He took upon Himself the penalty for every sin you and I ever committed -- without exception!

I often think in this regard of the Apostle Paul. At one time, he hated people who followed Jesus, and his efforts often led to their imprisonment and death. But then he met Christ -- and God forgave him. Later he wrote, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the worst" (1 Timothy 1:15).

Don't delay, but repent of your sins and by faith put your life into Christ's hands. He came to take away your guilt and heal your soul -- beginning today.